In the late 1990s, the Department for Transport commissioned research into home zones and quiet lanes, which are forms of shared space in residential streets and rural roads respectively. The research involved evaluating pilot schemes to assist in developing subsequent legislation and guidance.
We have also evaluated shared space research, commissioned by the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and home zones research, commissioned by the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee. Both projects identified the difficulties faced by some disabled people in these environments.
To better understand these difficulties the Department recently commissioned a major shared space research project. The two-year project started in February 2009.